2 Samuel 19:11–20:13; John 21:1-25; Psalm 120:1-7; Proverbs 16:16-17
What is That to Thee? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. – John 21:18-22
Jesus talked with Peter about how he would die and then gave him the command, “Follow Me!” When Peter heard this, he did what we do. He looked at one of the other disciples and asked, “What about him, Jesus?” He ignored the command entirely and fell into comparison about how each of them would die. We do that, and probably way more than we realize. The things we compare usually being things that are temporary rather than eternal. And if they are eternal, we cheapen them by placing them into comparison. Jesus responded to Peter with words we should ask ourselves when we start comparing that should stop us in our tracks. He said “if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” What is that to you? Jesus’ question exposes the jealousy that is in our hearts and was in Peter’s. Then Jesus gives the command again. He refocuses Peter to His command and should refocus us. These were Jesus’ last two Words recorded in the Gospels, “Follow Me!”
This is a word for us today. Stop spending your time and energy comparing your life to others and “Follow me!”
Take Heed to the Sword And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him. But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab’s hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri. – 2 Samuel 20:9-10
Amasa ignored the sword in the hand of Joab, and it cost him his life. We should be aware of what those around us hold in their hand, and if someone has a sword (something that can take life rather than give life), we should seek the Lord before allowing them too close.
He Hears In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me. – Psalm 120:1
Depart from Evil The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. – Proverbs 16:17
2 Samuel 18:1–19:10; John 20:1-31; Psalm 119:153-176; Proverbs 16:14-15
Deal Gently with the Young Man And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom. – 2 Samuel 18:5
The Victory was Turned to Mourning And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son! And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom. And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son. And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle. But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son! – 2 Samuel 18:33-19:4
Joab Confronts and Warns the King And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines; in that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well. Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now. Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent. And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom. And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back? – 2 Samuel 19:5-10
In the Light of the King’s Countenance is Life In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. – Proverbs 16:15
We saw this verse played out today in the reading of 2 Samuel. David’s son, Absalom, wants to overthrow his father, King David. There is a battle, and King David and his men win the war, but his son, Absalom dies. The people have victory but when they see that their King isn’t celebrating the victory at all. He is mourning his son. The feeling of victory leave and the people feel only shame.
Blessed are They That Have Not Seen, and Yet Have Believed Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. – John 20:29-31
This passage is full of encouragement to anyone struggling to get into the Word. Sometimes we are like Thomas, and we don’t believe because we don’t see things happen according to our timetable. This verse says that if you believe when you don’t yet see in fullness, you are blessed! Then it continues and says the Bible is written that you would believe that Jesus is the Son of God so that when you believe you will have LIFE through Him. This Word is written that we would have LIFE.
And isn’t it appropriate that today we would finish the reading of Psalm 119? If you haven’t noticed, I posted all of Psalm 119 over these last ten days. This Psalm is all about the Word of God, and it encourages me so much to love His Word, to dig deeper into His Word, to seek Him through His Word, and to share of the Word what I feel is shared with me. Truly this Word is LIFE.
Thy Righteous Judgments Endureth Forever Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments. Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies. I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word. Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. – Psalm 119:153-160
My Heart Standeth in Awe of Thy Word Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love. Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments. My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee. – Psalm 119:161-168
My Tongue Shall Speak of Thy Word Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word. Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word. My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts. I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight. Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments. – Psalm 119:169-176
I challenge you – If you want a blessing today or if you are struggling to read the Word or with the concept that it is LIFE that you join me and take some time to read the passage above from John and then to open your Bible and read aloud all of Psalm 119 in its entirety. It is a long chapter, but it only takes about 15 minutes. Read it aloud – it makes a difference!!!.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for sending the Word, Your Word that is LIFE. Help me to study Your Word, honor Your Word, celebrate Your Word, and love Your Word with my whole heart. Order my steps in Your Word today that all I do would be pleasing to You and that You could use it to draw others to Yourself. Raise my faith today, Lord. Please help me to believe Your Words and Your promises not just because I have seen but because I trust You and know You and Your heart. Please help me to know Your heart more and more. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen!!!
2 Samuel 17:1-29; John 19:23-42; Psalm 119:129-152; Proverbs 16:12-13
Order My Steps in Thy Word Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments. Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law. – Psalm 119:129-136
Thy Word giveth light. It giveth understanding. Order my steps in Thy Word that sin would not have dominion over me. Deliver me from oppression. Make Thy face shine upon me. Teach me Thy Word.
Such mighty prayers are contained in these verses. They remind me of the two passages we say every Sunday morning in our worship services. They are also from this blessed chapter of Psalm.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto to my path. (Psalm 119:105)
Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11)
An Everlasting Righteousness Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful. My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words. Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it. I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts. Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights. The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live. – Psalm 119:137-144
You Word is upright, righteous, very faithful, pure, everlasting, true!
Thou Hast Founded Them Forever I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes. I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word. Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word. Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment. They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law. Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth. Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever. – Psalm 119:145-152
I will keep thy statutes. I shall keep thy testimonies. I hoped in thy word. I meditate in thy word. Quicken me according to thy judgment. All thy commandments are truth. Thou hast founded them (thy testimonies) forever.
For the Lord had Appointed to Defeat the Good Counsel And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom. – 2 Samuel 17:14
The Word reminds me again today that if I live according to God’s will and line my life up with His Word, He will fight my battles and even if someone has a near perfect plan to destroy me, He will appoint defeat of that plan.
Ahithophel Saw That His Counsel Was Not Followed And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. – 2 Samuel 17:23
Ahithopel touched the Lord’s anointed and God stepped in against him.
It Is Finished Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. – John 19:25-30
“It is finished.” Jesus’ last Words as He fought the final battle for you and me. Every other battle that we will face in this life, Jesus has already fought. All we need to do is realize He has already sealed the victory and yield to Him. Hallelujah!
An Abomination to Kings It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. – Proverbs 16:12
2 Samuel 15:23–16:23; John 18:25–19:22; Psalm 119:113-128; Proverbs 16:10-11
Let Him Do to Me as Seemeth Good Unto Him And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation: but if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him. The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me. Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there. And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. – 2 Samuel 15:25-31
My Hiding Place and My Shield I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love. Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood. Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies. My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments. – Psalm 119:113-120
Deal with Thy Servant According Unto Thy Mercy I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors. Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me. Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness. Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes. I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. – Psalm 119:121-128
Pilate Wrote a Title And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. – John 19:19-22
A Just Weight and Balance A just weight and balance are the LORD’s: all the weights of the bag are his work. – Proverbs 16:11
2 Samuel 14:1–15:22; John 18:1-24; Psalm 119:97-112; Proverbs 16:8-9
Sweeter Than Honey O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.- Psalm 119:97-104
Thy Testimonies Have I Taken as an Heritage Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end. – Psalm 119:105-112
There Was None to be So Much Praised But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. – 2 Samuel 14:25
The Cup Which My Father Hath Given Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? – John 18:10-11
The Lord Directeth A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. – Proverbs 16:9
2 Samuel 13:1-39; John 17:1-26; Psalm 119:81-96; Proverbs 16:6-7
Jesus Prays for Them (and You) I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. – John 17:9-10
In today’s scripture passages, we read Jesus’ prayer for His disciples, and it is powerful. But it becomes even more powerful when it is made personal. Jesus says in John 17:20 that He is also praying for them that would believe in Him through their word. If you are a believer today, that is YOU! I don’t know about you, but that encourages me, excites me, and gives me life. But at the same time, it places demands on me that I can’t take lightly, nor would I ever want to. We are all given free will, but if you know that Jesus prayed the will of the Father for you, could it be anything less than the greatest of joys to choose Him and His perfect will?
Heavenly Father, Please help me to make the choice today and every day to follow Jesus and His perfect will for me and my life. Help me take all these prayers and live them, and battle when necessary in the spiritual and the physical to know You and make You known. I ask this in Jesus’ precious and holy Name. Amen! Amen!
So, what did Jesus pray for me and you?
That They Might Know Thee And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. – John 17:3
That They May Be One, As We Are And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. – John 17:11
That They Might Have My Joy Fulfilled in Themselves And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. – John 17:13
That Thou Shouldest Keep Them from the Evil I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. – John 17:14-16
That They Also Might Be Sanctified Through the Truth Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. – John 17:17-19
That They All May be One (in Us) Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: – John 17:20-21a
That The World May Believe That Thou Has Sent Me that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: – John 17:21b-22
That They May Be Made Perfect in One I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. – John 17:23
That They May Behold My Glory Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. – John 17:24
That the Love Wherewith Thou Hast Loved Me May Be in Them O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. – John 17:25-26
And this is LIFE eternal.
No Such Thing Ought to be Done in Israel And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly. And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee. Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her. Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone. And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her. – 2 Samuel 13:12-16
All Thy Commandments are Faithful My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word. Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes. How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law. All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts. Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth. – Psalm 119:81-88
Forever They Word is Settled in Heaven For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts. The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies. I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad. – Psalm 119:89-96
When A Man’s Ways Please the Lord When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. – Proverbs 16:7
2 Samuel 12:1-31; John 16:1-33; Psalm 119:65-80; Proverbs 16:4-5
He Shall Not Go Unpunished Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. – Proverbs 16:5 KJV
Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished. – Proverbs 16:5 NKJV
Pride – a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.
Abomination – a vile, shameful, or detestable action, condition, habit
Like David, the evil we commit will not go unpunished.
The Lord Sent Nathan And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: but the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man’s lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. – 2 Samuel 12:1-7
I Have Sinned Against the Lord And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die. – 2 Samuel 12:13-14
But Now He (the Child) is Dead And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. And David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him. And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD. – 2 Samuel 12:22-25
He Will Guide You Into All Truth Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. – John 16:7-15
That I Might Learn Thy Statutes Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. – Psalm 119:65-72
Because I have Hoped in Thy Word Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word. I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight. Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts. Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed. – Psalm 119:73-80
2 Samuel 9:1–11:27; John 15:1-27; Psalm 119:49-64; Proverbs 16:1-3
The Thing That David had Done Displeased the Lord And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. And David sent and inquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.– 2 Samuel 11:1-5
And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband. And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD. – 2 Samuel 11:26-27
It was time for the kings to go forth to battle. David sent him men and his servants but didn’t go himself. Had he been in battle, he would not have been on his rooftop as Bathsheba was bathing. But David was, and he was tempted. Right there, he had the opportunity to resist, but instead, he gave in to the temptation and asked about her. His messenger told David she was Uriah’s wife. Right there again, he had the opportunity to resist the temptation, but again he gave in to it and sent for her and laid with her. Bathsheba became pregnant. Sin exposed, but then David tried to cover it up and in the end had Uriah killed, took her as his wife, and she gave David a son. Maybe it seemed to David the plans had worked out, but God knew, and the passage says the thing that David did displeased Him. How often are we just like David?
Clean Through the Word I [Jesus] am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.- John 15:1-8
The Word of God cleans us up. It brings conviction, which leads to confession, which leads to repentance, which leads to life.
The Word Which Hast Caused Me to Hope Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself. Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. This I had, because I kept thy precepts. – Psalm 119:49-56
I Have Said I Would Keep They Words Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words. I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments. I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes. – Psalm 119:57-64
Commit Thy Works Unto the Lord Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. – Proverbs 16:3
Had David committed his works to the Lord and done the works the Lord had for him in that hour, he would have been able to cast the temptations of the enemy aside when it was a thought instead of trying to clean up on his own after he fell into the enemy’s trap. We have so much to learn from David.
Help me to heed Your warnings, Father. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen
2 Samuel 7:1–8:18; John 14:15-31; Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 15:33
Shalt Thou Build an House for Me to Dwell In? And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies; that the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee. And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying, Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in? Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar? Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: and I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, and as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house. – 2 Samuel 7:1-11
David was now king of all of Israel; there is peace throughout the land and neighboring lands; he has built a palace to live in and then turns his focus on building a temple for God. God didn’t want David to build it but told him that his heir would build His temple. David prays a beautiful prayer of gratitude that begins in verse eighteen.
Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? – 2 Samuel 7:18
Hitherto – up to this place or to this time
How Wilt Thou Manifest Thyself Unto Us? Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. – John 14:22-26
Oh Holy Ghost, my Comforter, whom the Father has sent to me in Jesus’ Name, please teach me all things today. Please bring to remembrance all that has been said in the Word and by the Word. I love You, Father! I love You, Jesus! I love You, Holy Ghost! I love Your Word! Help me to keep Your Words, every last one. Thank You for loving me and giving me so much. It fills my heart with gratitude, and my heart cries as even David did, Who am I, O Lord GOD, that Thou hast brought me hitherto?
Quicken Thou Me in Thy Way Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. – Psalm 119:33-40
My Hands Also Will I Lift Up Unto Thy Commandments Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes. – Psalm 119:41-48
Before Honour is Humility The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. – Proverbs 15:33
2 Samuel 4:1–6:23; John 13:31–14:14; Psalm 119:17-32; Proverbs 15:31-32
Abide Among the Wise The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. – Proverbs 15:31-32
Reproof – criticism for a fault
She Despised Him in Her Heart And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.
Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel today, who uncovered himself today in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself! And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD. And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour. Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death. – 2 Samuel 6:16, 20-23
We have been told over and over through the books of Samuel not to touch the Lord’s anointed. Here Michal touched (or despised) David in her heart and then rebuked him for dancing before the Lord. The Bible equates a punishment to the things she did in her heart. She had no children!
He that Believeth Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.– John 14:8-14
My Delight and Counsellors Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me. My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies. Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors. – Psalm 119:17-24
So Shall I Talk of Thy Wondrous Works My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word. I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes. Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. – Psalm 119:25-32
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